OKEECHOBEE — On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel E. Stephen was recognized as an Everyday Hero by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The children and youth of the Okeechobee community have always been of the utmost importance to the sheriff.

Yesterday, the sheriff’s office posted the following notice to its Facebook page:

We are proud to congratulate Sheriff Noel E. Stephen on being selected to receive the Everyday Heroes – Law Enforcement Recognition Award from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

On behalf of the Department of Juvenile Justice and Secretary Matthew J. Walsh, this award recognizes Sheriff Stephen’s exceptional service, steadfast dedication, and strong partnership in protecting and supporting Florida’s youth.

His continued commitment to building safer communities and advancing our shared mission has made a meaningful and lasting impact across Okeechobee County and beyond.

This honor reflects Sheriff Stephen’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering focus on prevention, accountability, and opportunity for the next generation.

The men and women of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office are honored to serve under a Sheriff whose work continues to set the standard for collaboration and community-centered law enforcement.

The sheriff said some of his proudest accomplishments include influencing some of Okeechobee’s youths to “fly on the right path.” The sheriff remains involved in the lives of some of these young men and women, even though they are now adults, continually striving to make positive changes.

Not one to boast about his accomplishments, the sheriff said it meant a lot to have someone else notice. “It’s a nice cherry on the top for my last term as sheriff,” he said. “I try to be a humble servant, but today I am a proud man.”